The consumption of energy drink has increased significantly among young adult due to their perceived benefits such as enhance alertness and reduce fatigue. However, their impact on dietary habits remains a growing concern. This study aimed to investigate the association between energy drink consumption, meal skipping behavior and dietary imbalances among young adults aged 18-25 years.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 180 participants in Pune city using a structured questionnaire. Data collected include demographic information, anthropometric measurement, energy drink consumption pattern, meal skipping habits and 24hour dietary recall. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, and correlation were assessed using Kendall’s tau with significant set at p<0.05.

 The findings revealed that 78% of participants consumed energy drink regularly with taste and improved alertness being the primary reason. meal skipping was prevalent in 70% 0f participants with lunch is most commonly skipped meal (38.3%). a significant proportion of participants showed nutritional deficiency in energy, protein, and carbohydrate while fat intake is exclusively high. a statistically significant    association was observed between energy drink consumption and meal skipping (p = 0.001) as well as between energy drink consumption and dietary imbalance (p<0.01)

The study conclude that frequent energy drink consumption contributes to irregular eating patterns and poor nutritional intake among young adults there is need for nutrition education, awareness, programs, behavioral interventions to promote healthier dietary practices and reduce reliance on energy drinks